Our view: Delta makes smart move

Delta College has selected a location for its new Midland Center campus building. It will be in the block bounded by Ellsworth, Townsend, Buttles and Cronkright streets.

The Delta College Board of Trustees voted Tuesday in favor of the site. Plans for the Midland Center include most of the plot of land, which has been donated by Chemical Bank and The Dow Chemical Co. at no cost to Delta.

Plans are for construction to start in September 2019 and finish by August 2020. Until then, the current Midland Campus will continue holding classes at 1025 Wheeler St. in Midland.

We think that not only the location, but the opportunity to build a modern facility is a great plan for Delta. The 30,000-square-foot facility is expected to accommodate 650 students in its first year. There will be an emphasis on STEM, transfer courses and health-related courses at the Midland Center, said Delta College President Jean Goodnow. They also anticipate expanding their dual enroll program.

Delta's Midland campus used to be a hidden opportunity on the city's north side. Goodnow admitted that most people were unaware of the Midland facility.

But a new downtown structure on one of the most visible streets in the city will remove the word "hidden" and only leave the word "opportunity" for Delta College.

Local foundation support and business contributions are making the campus possible. In turn, the new Delta Midland Campus will have the red Dow diamond logo and "Andrew N. Liveris Innovation Institute" displayed on its exterior.

Once again, downtown parking may become an issue. So the college hopes to have access to nearby parking structure spots. We hope that will take care of most of the demand.

Downtown Midland continues to change. The addition of Delta College in 2020 will be good for both the school and Main Street.